While rare, severe reactions to vaccines do happen, it’s good to know you may have a course for compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)—depending on the vaccine, the injury and other factors.
If you or a loved one may have been injured by a vaccine, contact an experienced vaccine injury lawyer at Sands Anderson for a free consultation. We’ll listen to you, and if possible, file a claim for you with the VICP. We’ll do everything we can to get you the outcome you deserve, all at no cost to you.
What You Should Know About Covered Vaccines
The VICP compensates people for certain vaccine injuries caused by the majority of vaccines in the U.S., but not all. And not all formulas are covered.
Covered vaccines also change over time, so it’s best to check the VICP website for the most updated information. Covered vaccines currently include:
Diphtheria, Tetanus or Pertussis
Vaccines that contain the diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, pertussis bacteria or specific pertussis antigens can cause severe allergic reaction, brain conditions or nerve damage. You may recognize these vaccines as: DTaP, DT, Td, Tdap, DTP-Hib.
Flu (Influenza)
The seasonal flu vaccine is covered under the VICP. Injuries from the seasonal flu shot may include allergic reaction, nerve damage, autoimmune disorders or brain conditions.
Hepatitis A
The Hepatitis A vaccine, or HAV, has been linked to autoimmune disorders or brain conditions.
Hepatitis B
The Hepatitis B vaccine, or HBV, is known to cause allergic reaction, brain conditions, autoimmune disorders or nerve damage.
Human Papillomavirus
The human papillomavirus vaccine, or HPV, may be linked to certain brain conditions, nerve damage, blood conditions and autoimmune disorders.
Measles, Mumps or Rubella
Vaccines that contain measles, mumps and rubella viruses can cause severe allergic reaction, nerve damage, brain conditions or blood disorders. You may recognize these vaccines as: MMR and MMRV.
Meningococcal
The meningococcal vaccine includes three types: a meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) and the meningococcal polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines (MPSV4 and MCV4). These may be linked to nerve damage, autoimmune disorders or brain conditions. You may also recognize these vaccines as: MenB-FHbp and MenB-4C.
Pneumococcal
There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines. One is the pneumococcal conjugate PCV or PCV13, known as Prevnar®. The other is the pneumococcal polysaccharide PPSV or PPV23, known as Pneumovax®. Currently only the PCV is covered under the VICP, and it may be related to blood conditions.
Polio
The vaccine that contains the inactive polio virus, or IPV, is much safer than the older version that contained live polio virus (called OPV, which was given orally). IPV has been shown to cause severe allergic reaction.
Rotavirus
Rotavirus, or RV, is shown to cause bowel problems, like intussusception. This happens when a part of the intestine slides inside itself and causes a blockage.
Varicella (Chickenpox)
The varicella, or VAR, vaccine, can cause blood conditions, autoimmune disorders and nerve damage.
Learn more about these and other vaccines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Sands Anderson Vaccine Injury Team Can Help
Having an experienced vaccine injury lawyer on your side can make the VICP claims process easier for you, so you can focus on healing. And it doesn’t cost you a thing. Here’s how we help:
- Our team includes a primary care physician who knows how a medical condition can affect your life. We care about you and your family and we work hard to make this difficult time go as smoothly as possible.
- Some vaccines are not listed as covered under the VICP, but you may qualify for a different program or another legal course of action. We can help you understand your rights and map out a plan that’s best for you.
- There are many steps and qualifications in the VICP claims process. We make sure you get everything completed on time, and help you get the most out of your claim.
Learn more about how we help people across country become whole again after vaccine injury.